A fantastic new fantasy novella: assassins, gods, mystery… excellent

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins are not cats.

Nor do they have tails.

But they are most assuredly dead.

Eveen the Eviscerator is skilled, discreet, professional, and here for your most pressing needs in the ancient city of Tal Abisi. Her guild is strong, her blades are sharp, and her rules are simple. Those sworn to the Matron of Assassins — resurrected, deadly, wiped of their memories — have only three unbreakable vows.

First, the contract must be just. That’s above Eveen’s pay grade.

Second, even the most powerful assassin may only kill the contracted. Eveen’s a professional. She’s never missed her mark.

The third and the simplest: once you accept a job, you must carry it out. And if you stray? A final death would be a mercy. When the Festival of the Clockwork King turns the city upside down, Eveen’s newest mission brings her face-to-face with a past she isn’t supposed to remember and a vow she can’t forget.

Any new book from P. Djèlí Clark is something to be thankful for. Ever since I read The Haunting of Tram Car 015, I’ve kept my eyes open for each new book from him. The premise for this new novella caught my attention, and I’m happy to report that it exceeded my high expectations. A dark, intriguing new fantasy world, with a solid mystery at its heart. Continue reading →